Bristol Academy triumphs at global learning 'Oscars'
Issue date: 31 May 2011
The development of ground-breaking technology to assess apprentices in the workplace via the internet has earned Bedminster based training provider, S&B Automotive Academy, a medal of excellence at the international education and training industry’s 2011 ‘Oscars’ in California.
Designed to recognise and reward outstanding applications of technology that address challenges facing the global learning community, the annual Global Learning Consortium Awards attracted more than 1,000 entries from educational institutions and corporations worldwide.
Developed in partnership with the Western Training Provider Network, S&B Automotive Academy’s pioneering ‘Project Jericho’ system also enables school pupils to learn about careers in the motor industry through ‘virtual visits’. It beat off stiff competition from over 200 finalists to win a Bronze medal.
The Academy was singled out for its pioneering initiative to harness internet enabled wireless cameras, ‘Net Cams’, to facilitate ‘on demand’ assessment which for many years has been a major barrier to workplace learning. By utilising web based technology, the Academy aims to reduce physical workplace assessment by 25% during 2011 with a further reduction of 25% in 2012. Besides cutting costs, the system will also enable S&B to cut its carbon footprint significantly.
During the judging process, the Academy carried out a demonstration of the system with a simulated assessment at S&B’s training workshop in Bedminster. Microphone enabled, judges could view a candidate performing a particular task and hold a two-way conversation.
Commenting on achieving global recognition, Jon Winter, Chief Executive, S&B Automotive Academy, said:
“Achieving a medal is a tremendous achievement for the Academy and one that has placed us firmly on the global training and education map. Project Jericho has proven how technology can actively benefit the learning process, as well as helping organisations reduce costs and carbon emissions. We are absolutely thrilled at such international recognition and look forward to working with schools and employers in showcasing careers in the automotive sector and improving the Apprenticeship journey.”
Ends
Notes to Editors:
Based in Bristol, S&B Automotive Academy is one of the leading specialist training providers for Apprenticeships and adult learning serving the commercial vehicle and road transport sectors. Established for over 40 years as a not-for-profit organisation, S&B Automotive Academy holds the Government’s Training Quality Standard and is an approved assessment centre for the irtec licensing scheme.
In 2010 S&B Automotive Academy achieved record levels of completions for its Apprenticeships, which have positioned it at the top of the UK rankings for the automotive sector. The Academy delivered an overall success rate of 87% compared with a national benchmark figure of 72%. In some areas, including Transport Engineering and Maintenance and Vehicle Parts Operations, the Academy achieved the maximum 100% of all students completing their qualifications successfully.
The IMS Global Learning Consortium is a unique collaboration of corporations, educational institutions, and government organizations that can play a significant role in recognizing advances in technology that address key educational challenges worldwide.
